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January, 2010
In this issue:
Featured Resource - Math Analogies
One of the newest resources I'd like to recommend to you is the Math Analogies series:
"Understanding
analogies and the ability to reason analogically (reasoning used to
identify, evaluate, and solve an analogy) are important problem-solving
skills. Problem-solving is an essential part of mathematical
development. Analogies teach children to break problems down into their
component parts, making it easier to recognize familiar formats that
enable students to produce solutions.
The
math analogies in this book ask your child to draw and verbalize their
answers. The drawings develop fine motor skills and the verbalization
develops communication skills. The analogies in this book are designed
around the grade-appropriate standards identified by the National
Council of Teaching Mathematics."
As well as introducing analogical thinking in the mathematics domain, the Math Analogies resource is recommended for use in preparation for several cognitive abilities tests such as the Otis-Lennon School Abilities (OLSAT) and the Cognitive Abilities Tests (CogAT). This series serves as another way to have your student thinking mathematically while having fun.
Access sample activity pages by clicking on the pictures at the left. Purchase your copy of any Math Analogies book with a 10% discount using this month's special offer code (see below). Each book retails for $11.99. Access our online information and shopping center using this link.
January 2010 Special Savings: (10% off your entire purchase**). Offer expires January 25th.
Receive a 10% discount on your order, regardless of size, when you use this special promotion code. Use this code when you checkout online:
[Available only to Newsletter
Members]
Standard shipping is available free for all size orders. Standard shipping utilizes Media Mail via the USPS. UPS Ground and/or Priority Mail are always free for orders over $125. ** Note: all shipments are charged a $2.99 handling fee when processed for free shipping. Bundles, which are already discounted, are excluded from this discount offer. This offer for online orders, only.
Frequently Asked Question.. answered
How do I choose the appropriate resource for my child if I can't see the resource in advance?
The most important fact to know is that at Thinking To Learn your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you receive a resource that is not appropriate for your child, please contact us for a return or exchange. Returns of books are always accepted within 60 days of purchase, when received in new condition. Returns of software are accepted when you are unable to resolve technical installation or use issues with the publisher's technical support staff.
So how do you choose the correct level in the first place? Consider these important points:
- Most of the resources on the Thinking To Learn website are designed to challenge students to reason and to work deeply in a content area. Expect that a resource will require your student to delve deeper into the content than standard curriculum.
- The grade level references assigned to the resources are for 'on grade' or 'everyday' students. Parents and tutors of children with learning challenges or high abilities will need to consider adjusting for these exceptionalities when selecting a resource level.
- Most resource listings in our online information center and shopping cart have one or more sample pages available for your use in selecting the appropriate level. Print off the sample page and consider the difficulty of the activity. The lower the page number, the earlier in the resource this activity appears. Expect subsequent activities to incrementally increase in difficulty.
- If the resources does not appear to be at the appropriate level, move up or down a level to find a better fit.
- Consider the student's reading comprehension level when selecting resources. Comprehending the meaning of terms and the context of the problem is important in successfully working activities.
- When in doubt, schedule an appointment to participate in our Parent Coaching service. I'm happy to work with parents and tutors to discuss student-specific questions and to recommend specific resources. Parent Coaching is available most weekdays and on weekends as time permits.
My blog posts at LearningandLifeskills.com, posted since our last newsletter, may cover a topic of interest to you. Here are the headings:
- A class for top math minds
- New NAEP Math scores for 4th graders show little change since 2007
- Private students going public: Public school districts seeing more transfers -- dailypress.com
- Speyer Legacy School Opens in New York for Gifted Pupils - NYTimes.com
- What do the OLSAT scores mean and how are they used? (An update)
- Watch over your child's use of social networking sites
- Thinking to Learn makes the New York Times - In Manhattan, Preparing for Kindergarten Admission Test - NYTimes.com
Access my blog using this link.
Comments? Suggestions? Email us at:
service [at] ThinkingToLearn.com
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